The long-awaited, eagerly anticipated, arguably over-hyped Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has arrived, and the question on the minds of kids, adults, fans, and skeptics alike is, "Is it worth the hype?" The answer, luckily, is simple: yep. A magnificent spectacle more than worth the price of admission, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will blow you away. However, given that so much has gone into protecting the secrets of the book (including armored trucks and injunctions), don't expect any spoilers in this review. It's much more fun not knowing what's coming--and in the case of Rowling's delicious sixth book, you don't want to know. Just sit tight, despite the earth-shattering revelations that will have your head in your hands as you hope the words will rearrange themselves into a different story. But take one warning to heart: do not open Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince until you have first found a secluded spot, safe from curious eyes, where you can tuck in for a good long read. Because once you start, you won't stop until you reach the very last page.
A darker book than any in the series thus far with a level of sophistication belying its genre, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince moves the series into murkier waters and marks the arrival of Rowling onto the adult literary scene. While she has long been praised for her cleverness and wit, the strength of Book 6 lies in her subtle development of key characters, as well as her carefully nuanced depiction of a community at war. In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, no one and nothing is safe, including preconceived notions of good and evil and of right and wrong. With each book in her increasingly remarkable series, fans have nervously watched J.K. Rowling raise the stakes; gone are the simple delights of butterbeer and enchanted candy, and days when the worst ailment could be cured by a bite of chocolate. A series that began as a colorful lark full of magic and discovery has become a dark and deadly war zone. But this should not come as a shock to loyal readers. Rowling readied fans with Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by killing off popular characters and engaging the young students in battle. Still, there is an unexpected bleakness from the start of Book 6 that casts a mean shadow over Quidditch games, silly flirtations, and mountains of homework. Ready or not, the tremendous ending of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will leave stunned fans wondering what great and terrible events await in Book 7 if this sinister darkness is meant to light the way. --Daphne Durham
Readers beware. Brilliant, liver conclusion J.K. Rowling's series was not spectacular for the faint of heart - such revelations, the battles, and treachery to wait in the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows that no fan will make it to the end without injury. Luckily, Rowling has prepared a loyal reader to the end of the circuit by distributing more dark and dangerous story of magic and mystery, shot through with lessons about honor and contempt, love and loss, and right and wrong. Do not be afraid, you will find no spoilers in our review - to tell the plot would ruin the journey, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is an odyssey the likes of which Rowling's fans have not seen, and impossible to forget. But we would be remiss if we did not offer one small suggestion before you start your final adventure with Harry - bring a lot of networking.
The core book 7 is a hero's mission - not just in Harry's quest for the Horcruxes, but in the journey from boy to man - and Harry faces more danger than that found in all six books combined, from the direct threat of the Death Eaters and you-know - who, for the danger of losing confidence in the fine himself. Attention readers would do well to remember Dumbledore's warning about making a choice between "what is right and what is easy," and know that Rowling is difficult to apply the same principle to the conclusion of his series. While fans will find the answer to the question of heat speculate about Dumbledore, Snape, and you-know-who, it is evidence of Rowling's skill as a storyteller that even the most astute and careful reader will be surprised.
A spectacular finish to a phenomenal series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is a bitter read for fans. The journey is hard, filled with events both tragic and triumphant, the battlefield filled with the body's most loved and hated, but the final chapter is as brilliant and blinding as a phoenix's flame, and fans and skeptics as will appear from the boundaries of the full story but heavy hearts, giddy and grateful for the experience. - Daphne Durham
I like books. There are many different elements and story arc running through the book that I could not help but wonder how the director [David Yates] will do it. Well, this movie certainly much quieter than its predecessor, both in effect, the violence, the use of magic, even the color palette is muted for most of the movie, convey a sense of threat and the possibility of punishment in a confrontation between good and evil.
As an enthusiastic fan of books, and movies, I find this installment a tad underwhelming. First, I was upset that the scriptwriters feel they must include scenes that do not need that are not even in the book [servants and Harry make a date at the beginning, the burning down of the Burrow, etc.]. Instead they left out the actual bits in the books. Even the important story arcs, such as the use of the Pensieve is not given enough screen time, and seems almost rushed.
One of the enduring appeal lies in the film franchise's curiosity, and capable of transporting the audience into a magical world where evil forces under the supervision of the dark Lord Voldemort tried to defeat the forces of good as described by Harry Potter, the Chosen One and also Order Phoenix. In this latest installment of the film, I feel that the magic ingredient was missing. Much of what is described is presented as it is, and if it is supervised by someone new to the world of Harry Potter, people will be confused and lost. At least in the other installments, especially in the first four, a lot of background information provided [that even my husband, who has not read the books in this series can follow the story]. For example, there is no indication at all why Bellatrix Lestrange has a venomous hatred like Harry, or why Harry tends to catch up [and I did not say why here either, for HP virgins].
I think part of the problem is that HP & the Half-Blood Prince gives a catalyst for events to transpire in the last book, Deathly Hallows, and the film version will be played in two parts. So, to understand, a lot of ground work put in here, so that in a dialogue heavy film, and less than spectacular special effects [Quidditch scenes underwhelming really in my opinion]. The main characters, like Harry [Daniel Radcliffe], Hermione [Emma Watson], and Ron [Rupert Grint] is also facing some serious hormonal problems and relationship problems, then a rather weak tone. Gone are the days of easy jokes and friendship ... dynamics between the three has shifted to one of awkward discomfort, when Ron and Hermione try to reconcile with changes in their friendship, and Harry dealing with a strong attraction to Ginny Weasley. In this case, I felt the actors did a great job - all three have been away from their first year at Hogwarts, and has truly embraced these roles, they illustrate the depth and insights.
Draco Malfoy's role as portrayed by Tom Felton, eventually will be more visible. Draco no longer just staring at all times, but related to the real problems that can be paid with the soul, and Felton did a credible job of describing her inner conflict. Michael Gambon as Dumbledore is very good, relying more on Harry in this story, when he was trying desperately to uncover Potions Professor Slughorn's [Jim Broadbent] one of the important memory of Tom Riddle [Dark Lord] who can assist in fighting the Prince of Darkness .
Others such as Severus Snape [Alan Rickman], Minerva McGonagall [Maggie Smith], & Hagrid [Robbie Coltrane] has less visibility this time. This is really focused on only a few central characters, even if Snape did not play an important role here [just saying that he did not get as much screen time I would like]. In connection with Snape, I must say that I am a huge fan of Alan Rickman's acting - he brought great depth description of the teacher at Hogwarts, bringing reactions varying from disgust to anger and even sympathies over the course of six installments. He was impressed even in small scenes. I was hoping for more of Snape in two installments as an important role for the series! The firm but kindly Professor McGonagall, I have read several reports of Dame Maggie Smith's ill health and pray that he is well enough to finish the two films, because I can not imagine another actress in her role.
All in all, it was still a fun story, and the reason I only gave three stars is because they do not live as faithfully as the book I expected, and does not have a sense of wonder & magic I've come to associate with the series. This has become the darkest installment in the series so far - so I can understand the sad tone that underlies the film, but, I still feel the director could use a better color and more relaxed some aspects of the movie where necessary. Btw, I found the score completely underwhelming, and I really miss the beautiful values in previous films [except Section 5]. Here's hoping the Deathly Hallows Part I and II will fare better [also directed by David Yates].
As an enthusiastic fan of books, and movies, I find this installment a tad underwhelming. First, I was upset that the scriptwriters feel they must include scenes that do not need that are not even in the book [servants and Harry make a date at the beginning, the burning down of the Burrow, etc.]. Instead they left out the actual bits in the books. Even the important story arcs, such as the use of the Pensieve is not given enough screen time, and seems almost rushed.
One of the enduring appeal lies in the film franchise's curiosity, and capable of transporting the audience into a magical world where evil forces under the supervision of the dark Lord Voldemort tried to defeat the forces of good as described by Harry Potter, the Chosen One and also Order Phoenix. In this latest installment of the film, I feel that the magic ingredient was missing. Much of what is described is presented as it is, and if it is supervised by someone new to the world of Harry Potter, people will be confused and lost. At least in the other installments, especially in the first four, a lot of background information provided [that even my husband, who has not read the books in this series can follow the story]. For example, there is no indication at all why Bellatrix Lestrange has a venomous hatred like Harry, or why Harry tends to catch up [and I did not say why here either, for HP virgins].
I think part of the problem is that HP & the Half-Blood Prince gives a catalyst for events to transpire in the last book, Deathly Hallows, and the film version will be played in two parts. So, to understand, a lot of ground work put in here, so that in a dialogue heavy film, and less than spectacular special effects [Quidditch scenes underwhelming really in my opinion]. The main characters, like Harry [Daniel Radcliffe], Hermione [Emma Watson], and Ron [Rupert Grint] is also facing some serious hormonal problems and relationship problems, then a rather weak tone. Gone are the days of easy jokes and friendship ... dynamics between the three has shifted to one of awkward discomfort, when Ron and Hermione try to reconcile with changes in their friendship, and Harry dealing with a strong attraction to Ginny Weasley. In this case, I felt the actors did a great job - all three have been away from their first year at Hogwarts, and has truly embraced these roles, they illustrate the depth and insights.
Draco Malfoy's role as portrayed by Tom Felton, eventually will be more visible. Draco no longer just staring at all times, but related to the real problems that can be paid with the soul, and Felton did a credible job of describing her inner conflict. Michael Gambon as Dumbledore is very good, relying more on Harry in this story, when he was trying desperately to uncover Potions Professor Slughorn's [Jim Broadbent] one of the important memory of Tom Riddle [Dark Lord] who can assist in fighting the Prince of Darkness .
Others such as Severus Snape [Alan Rickman], Minerva McGonagall [Maggie Smith], & Hagrid [Robbie Coltrane] has less visibility this time. This is really focused on only a few central characters, even if Snape did not play an important role here [just saying that he did not get as much screen time I would like]. In connection with Snape, I must say that I am a huge fan of Alan Rickman's acting - he brought great depth description of the teacher at Hogwarts, bringing reactions varying from disgust to anger and even sympathies over the course of six installments. He was impressed even in small scenes. I was hoping for more of Snape in two installments as an important role for the series! The firm but kindly Professor McGonagall, I have read several reports of Dame Maggie Smith's ill health and pray that he is well enough to finish the two films, because I can not imagine another actress in her role.
All in all, it was still a fun story, and the reason I only gave three stars is because they do not live as faithfully as the book I expected, and does not have a sense of wonder & magic I've come to associate with the series. This has become the darkest installment in the series so far - so I can understand the sad tone that underlies the film, but, I still feel the director could use a better color and more relaxed some aspects of the movie where necessary. Btw, I found the score completely underwhelming, and I really miss the beautiful values in previous films [except Section 5]. Here's hoping the Deathly Hallows Part I and II will fare better [also directed by David Yates].
This is a full set of 4 7inch action figures from Harry Potter Order of the Phoenix Series. Set includes Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and Sirius Black.
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The Harry Potter Limited Edition Giftset includes Harry Potters Years 1-5 a Harry Potter DVD game Hogwarts Challenge along with a bonus disc containing over 2 hours of enhanced content an exclusive "Harry Potter's Bookmark Collection" and collectible trading cards.Format: DVD HD Genre: SCI-FI/FANTASY/FANTASY UPC: 085391169826 Manufacturer No: 1000025872
Editorial Reviews
Book Description
Follow Harry from his first days at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, through his many adventures with Hermione and Ron, to his confrontations with rival Draco Malfoy and the dreaded Professor Snape. From a dangerous descent into the Chamber of Secrets to the Triwizard Tournament to the return of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, each adventure is more riveting and exhilarating than its predecessor, and now all six books are available together for the first time in an elegant paperback boxed set.
Follow Harry from his first days at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, through his many adventures with Hermione and Ron, to his confrontations with rival Draco Malfoy and the dreaded Professor Snape. From a dangerous descent into the Chamber of Secrets to the Triwizard Tournament to the return of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, each adventure is more riveting and exhilarating than its predecessor, and now all six books are available together for the first time in an elegant paperback boxed set.
Editorial Reviews
Book Description
HARRY POTTER BOXED SET 1-7 includes the seven phenomenal Harry Potter hardcover books by best selling author J. K. Rowling. These books are housed in a collectible trunk-like box with sturdy handles and privacy lock. Bonus decorative stickers are included in each boxed set.
